Existing conditions within the project area consisted of agricultural crop land in an area of historically drained hydric (wetland) soil. The private agricultural landowner had found that the former drainage features within the project area were failing, making the area increasingly difficult to crop. Ecotone worked with the landowner and the Harford Soil Conservation District to develop an acceptable concept plan for restoration of the former wetland area, and funding for the wetland restoration was provided to the Soil Conservation District from the Maryland Department of the Environment Nontidal Wetlands Compensation Fund. Funding for the reforestation component of the project was obtained via selling reforestation credits under the MD Forest Conservation Act.

Ecotone prepared a design using multiple microtopographic cells to maximize retention of surface and intercepted groundwater in the restored wetlands. Plans included the interception of fairly persistent hydrology within existing agricultural ditches within the project area, and distribution of this hydrology throughout the restored wetlands. A planting plan was prepared providing for reforestation of the restored wetlands and adjacent upland buffer areas using appropriate native species.

The project was designed, permitted, constructed, and planted during the period between November 2004 and May 2005. The landowner was compensated in return for recording a conservation easment on the restored wetland and reforestation acreage. The project resulted in the restoration of 6 acres of forested wetland, and the establishment of 4 acres of upland reforestation. The restored wetlands have proven to persistent, robust hydrology and provide significant habitat for a variety of wildlife, including breeding areas for numerous amphibian species.